It was so cold at Hammer Field Monday the Albert Lea High School softball team was unable to use its brand-new bats.

Tuesday, April 24, 2001

It was so cold at Hammer Field Monday the Albert Lea High School softball team was unable to use its brand-new bats. The warranty, according to ALHS coach Sherrie Gayken, does not cover damage sustained in extreme temperatures.

So the Tigers used their old bats. And they never really did heat up.

The Tigers managed just five runs while dropping a Big Nine doubleheader to Owatonna, 14-3 and 6-2.

&uot;We did play better the second game,&uot; said Gayken, whose team is missing two injured starters. &uot;We just have to be a little more assertive and aggressive, and it will come.&uot;

Amber Sickels, Ashley Chrz, Jenny Hovendick and Jerri Mondeel had hits for the Tigers in the opener.

Teresa Paczkowski started and took the pitching loss. Rachel Tue and Mondeel pitched in relief.

&uot;We got into major trouble pitching, with walks, hits and passed balls,&uot; said Gayken.

The Tigers led 2-1 in game two until Owatonna took control with a five-run fifth.

Mondeel and Emily Ulve had two hits apiece. Amber Edwards hit a triple.

Mondeel pitched into the fifth inning and absorbed the loss. Tue finished on the mound.

The Tigers host Winona in a Big Nine doubleheader Thursday at 4 p.m. at Hammer Field. They play in the NRHEG Invitational Saturday.at Hammer Field